Investigating how autism affects brain cell development in mice
Official title: Single-cell Transcriptomic Analysis of Cell Type Plasticity in Barrel Cortex of Normal and Autism Model Mice
Funded at University of California Berkeley · NIH-10912526 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how autism affects the growth of brain cells that help us process our senses, using mice to learn more about how these cells develop during important growth stages.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Fellowship grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of California Berkeley NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Berkeley, United States) |
| Project start | September 1, 2023 |
| Project end | August 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $45,730 |
| NIH project number | 5F31NS131016-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10912526 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder, particularly those experiencing sensory processing challenges.
✕Less likely to help
Patients without a diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder or those who do not experience sensory processing issues may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on understanding how autism spectrum disorder (ASD) impacts the development of brain cells in the sensory cortex of mice. By analyzing the gene expression of over 100 different cell types, the study aims to uncover how sensory experiences shape brain circuitry during critical developmental periods. Using advanced techniques like single-nucleus mRNA sequencing and machine learning, researchers will explore the relationship between sensory input and the maturation of these cells in both normal and autism model mice. This could provide insights into the underlying mechanisms of sensory processing in ASD.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new strategies for improving sensory processing and overall functioning in individuals with autism.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding sensory processing in autism, but this specific approach using single-cell analysis is relatively novel.
Where this research is happening
-
University of California Berkeley
Berkeley, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Butrus, Salwan — University of California Berkeley
- Study coordinator: Butrus, Salwan
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About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.